ABOUT US
Our Foundation &
Our Purpose
Learn about our roots, mission, vision, and the principles that guide our work in the Detroit community. The children are our greatest investment.
OUR FOUNDATION
THE CHILDREN ARE
OUR GREATEST PRIORITY
Everything we do centers on our children. They are our future, and every program, every event, every resource is built to ensure they rise.
Mission Statement
Detroit Street Academy exists to uplift youth and communities through education, cultural awareness, conflict resolution, and access to vital resources. We work to reduce violence, promote peace, and build self-sufficient leaders in Detroit. Our children come first in everything we do.
Vision Statement
Our vision is a community where youth understand their history, practice self-discipline, resolve conflict peacefully, and develop the skills needed to become productive leaders, entrepreneurs, and responsible citizens. We envision a Detroit where every child has access to knowledge and the tools to build a prosperous future.
Core Values
- Children are our greatest priority
- Knowledge and self-awareness
- Peace and unity
- Respect for all people
- Cultural identity and heritage
- Self-discipline
- Community service
Built in
Detroit
OUR HISTORY
DETROIT STREET ACADEMY
A DETROIT LEGACY
Our Roots in Detroit
Detroit Street Academy was born out of a deep commitment to the young people of Detroit. Founded by community leaders who witnessed firsthand the challenges facing Detroit's youth — from poverty and violence to lack of educational opportunity — the Academy was established as a direct response. Our founders believed that every child in Detroit deserved access to quality education, strong mentorship, and a safe environment to grow.
Community-Centered from Day One
From the very beginning, Detroit Street Academy operated from the ground up — in parks, community centers, and neighborhood spaces. Our approach was simple: meet people where they are. We brought education, conflict resolution, and cultural programming directly into the communities that needed it most, building trust one relationship at a time.
Growing Into a Pillar of Detroit
Over the years, Detroit Street Academy has grown from a grassroots effort into a recognized institution serving youth, families, seniors, veterans, and residents with disabilities. Our programs have expanded to include CVI youth intervention, workforce development, cultural education, and community resource navigation — all rooted in the belief that Detroit's people deserve the very best.
Building in the Motor City
Detroit has always been a city of resilience. Through economic hardship, social upheaval, and systemic challenges, Detroit's communities have consistently found ways to rise. Detroit Street Academy was founded in that same spirit — a belief that the people of Detroit have the strength, wisdom, and will to build something lasting for their children and their neighbors.
Our early work focused on reaching young people who had been left behind by traditional institutions. We organized youth programs, study groups, mentorship circles, and community events that gave Detroit's youth a sense of identity, purpose, and belonging. Over time, those efforts grew into the structured programs and services Detroit Street Academy offers today.
Today, Detroit Street Academy stands as a cornerstone of positive change in Detroit — a place where youth are educated, families are supported, and communities are strengthened. We are proud of our roots and committed to our future.
Key Milestones
Detroit's Call for Change
Detroit communities faced significant social and economic challenges. Community leaders began organizing grassroots education and youth programs to address the needs of Detroit's young people.
Neighborhood Programs Take Root
Organized youth programs, mentorship initiatives, and community events became regular fixtures in Detroit neighborhoods, laying the groundwork for what would become Detroit Street Academy.
Expanding Community Impact
Programs grew to serve more youth and families across Detroit. Cultural education, conflict resolution training, and community resource navigation became core offerings.
Detroit Street Academy Founded
Detroit Street Academy was formally established to provide structured education, CVI youth intervention, and comprehensive community resources for Detroit residents.
Growth and Recognition
Detroit Street Academy expanded its programs, deepened community partnerships, and earned recognition as a trusted institution serving Detroit's youth, families, seniors, and veterans.
Serving Detroit's Future
Detroit Street Academy continues to grow with expanded programs for children, families, seniors, veterans, and the entire community. Our children remain our greatest priority.
Serving Our Community with Dignity
United in purpose — caring for our children, honoring our elders, and building our future together.
Meet Our Executive Board
Learn about the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer & Sergeant at Arms leading Detroit Street Academy.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
What We Stand For
Our principles guide individuals toward positive behavior, leadership, and responsibility
Knowledge of Self
Understanding one’s history, identity, and purpose in the world
Peace and Unity
Building bridges and resolving conflicts through dialogue
Respect for All People
Treating every individual with dignity and compassion
Cultural Identity
Embracing and celebrating our heritage and traditions
Self-Discipline
Developing inner strength and personal accountability
Economic Independence
Building financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills
Education as Liberation
Using knowledge as a tool for personal and community freedom
Community Service
Giving back and uplifting those around us
Join Our Mission
Whether you're seeking guidance, want to volunteer, or looking to collaborate, we welcome you to be part of our community.